When Black Women Lead: Highlights From MadameNoire’s Powerful ‘Women To Know: Modern Mavericks’ Dinner

Source: Andre “DreVinci” Jones / Andre “DreVinci” Jones

Swanky Brooklyn hotspot Aliya was the scene for HelloBeautiful x MadameNoire’s Women To Know: Modern Mavericks dinner and panel. Guests and honorees pulled up to Hotel Indigo for a curated evening of cocktails, bites, music, and good conversation. Before taking the elevator to the fourth floor, guests stopped by the backdrop for a photo op.

The evening began with a panel featuring HB x MN’s Modern Mavericks—Murjoni Merriweather, Latoya Hobbs, and Jewel Ham—from our latest Women To Know cover. As Black women artists, they’re using their canvas to capture the beauty of Black existence. Each woman’s unique personality shined as they answered questions from moderator and managing editor of MadameNoire, Danica Daniel.

Source: Andre “DreVinci” Jones / Andre “DreVinci” Jones

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Jewel Ham’s larger-than-life personality was magnetic. She is as unapologetic as her artwork, which depicts everyday life for Black people. She is able to capture the vulnerability and authenticity of Black womanhood in her prints.

Murjoni’s smile was captivating as she gushed over her love for clay, the material she shifts and shapes to create lifelike sculptures. Hobbs’ artwork is all about creating a legacy. At one point in the panel, she boldly stated she’s not making pieces to fit in your living room, she’s making pieces to fit in the museum. Mic drop.

Women To Know Dinner

Following the panel, we assembled at the lobby bar for signature drinks like the Dusse-spiked Hello, Madame. Waiters passed around lobster and oxtail dishes, served over plantains. Finally, the night ended with us overlooking the pool while we dined, listening to the DJ who provided the vibes. Keep scrolling for the beautiful faces at our Women To Know dinner and panel.

1. LaToya Hobbs, Murjoni Merriweather, Jewel Ham

Source:Andre “DreVinci” Jones

LaToya Hobbs, Murjoni Merriweather, and Jewel Ham pose for a photo on the floral backdrop at our HB x MN’s Women To Know: Modern Mavericks dinner + panel event at Aliya, Brooklyn, on May 13, 2025.